 Poster: A snowHead
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I've been boarding for about for years. I ski as well but prefer to board on the powder days.
I've not yet bought any boots or a board. Idid invest heavily in all the pads which have been worth the money!
I want to buy some boots but the problem I have is heel lift. This has occurred in every pair of boots I've ever hired. This results in me having to over-compensate when leaning forward in order to turn and obviously there is more movement when I then try to lean back.
I've been told the Burton driver would be best for me. I have a wide forefoot, narrow heel and ankle, wide calf. and my shoe size is 8.
Also I'm 200lbs and 5' 8" (stocky not fat!) and want to buy a board.
Has anyone got any suggestions on the best boots and/or board to buy?
I'd appreciate the help.
Cheers
Jack
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Buy, Thirty-two, Dee-luxe or top end Salomon. The rest are shite. I would love to sell snowboard boots, but for the reasons you have, it's impossible to be confident in the long term fit. All of the above recommended brands have thermo-fit liners(the real ones). To buy a good boot, take out the liner and all the shite(lacing etc) and hold the shell around the heel, thumb and hand around it. Now pinch it. Is it stiff and resists your presure? It should be, if not bin it. Then put your foot in the shell and put your toes to the front gentally. You will need 12mm between back of heel and back of shell, if you use a footbed and have a thermo liner. If you haven't a Footbed and Thermo liner you've just thown all your money away and have bought into a Fashion driven industry. Be careful if you like to 'Board. 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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For a wider foot and heel-lift problems I'd probably look at Vans first. Take a look at the BFBs in size 7.5 - I recently bought boots, and I too have wide feet with somewhat narrow ankles, and the BFBs were by far the best out of all the boots I tried on (which was alot of boots!). Only problem I have with them is this loop they have on the back to help pull the boots on - if you have tall high-backs, you'll have to cut this thing off, since it's placed somewhat low on the boot.
Most high-end boots, if they fit properly, will be pretty good heel-lift wise, whereas rental boots will not be so nice. In my opinion Vans, DC, Salomon, and 32 make the best boots - look for a medium-flex to stiff, upper-end boot from any of these companies.
As for the board, what kind of riding do you do? How advanced? Where do you ride?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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SMALLZOOKEEPER, Thanks for that. I'll never give up skiing as I don't think boarding gets close but it makes a change to do it now and then and it would be good to get some decent boots. Shame I wasn't on here earlier this year as I went to Chamonix in April (when all the snow dumped late on).
We might go out again late in the season, what's the name of your shop?
Also looking to buy a place out there or in Switzerland. Where would you recommend in Chamonix?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Jack Hallam wrote: |
SMALLZOOKEEPER, Thanks for that. I'll never give up skiing as I don't think boarding gets close but it makes a change to do it now and then and it would be good to get some decent boots. Shame I wasn't on here earlier this year as I went to Chamonix in April (when all the snow dumped late on).
We might go out again late in the season, what's the name of your shop?
Also looking to buy a place out there or in Switzerland. Where would you recommend in Chamonix? |
The shop is opposite the Aiguille du Midi cable car. It has a large "Wooley Mammoth" on the wall, as we have them on special offer.
As for buying property here, you've missed the boat. We are currently looking at 5,800euros a m2. 5 years ago 1,400euro m2.
Prices are currently subject to a 2% drop in value on this time last year.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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"Buy, Thirty-two, Dee-luxe or top end Salomon. The rest are shite."
This is definitely not true by the way - don't limit your search to only these 3 brands!
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| ponder wrote: |
[b]"Buy, Thirty-two, Dee-luxe or top end Salomon. The rest are shite."
This is definitely not true by the way - don't limit your search to only these 3 brands![/b] |
Yeah, that was a little strong. However you can't fault the other three, footshape aside.
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I've looked at the Salomon Malamutes and other top end Salomon boots. They have a velcro like material at the heel which helps reduce heel lift. The guys in TSA couldn't recommend them enough.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I am a firm believer in trying them on in the shop and forgetting about the brand... How are a bunch of randoms in a chat room meant to know what each different boot feels like when you are trying it on? It sounds like the rental boots you have been trying on have been a size too big for you. Very important especially when buying is that they are very snug. This will reduce movement. They will also expand slightly with time as you are using them so ideally you want to buy them just a little bit too small, then wear them in.
Oh and never bother to buy the cheap boots, with boots you get what you pay for.
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mista,
Whats wrong with a "bunch of randoms" expressing their views in response to what the poster had requested info on? Of course you try the boot on before buying, but there is nothing wrong with some suggestions from the Forum. It's definatley preferable to your patronising remarks.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Philip Prior, Please dont take offense, I dont intend to sound patronising either. When giving advice on gear I try to keep it as simple as possible as there are others who read these forums that may like it as simple as possible...
Last time I went to buy boots I had a good idea of the boots that I wanted when I went in. The salesman I got was the snowboard boot specialist in the precision shops in Val (in Black cats). He looked at my feet for a bit and measured them then came back with 2 pairs of boots. The first I tried on and he said that they might pinch my heel a little bit but he wasn't sure as only some people experience this. They did, so he gave me the second ones, which seemed to fit ok. Then being a bit cynical I thought "ok maybe he is just trying to upsell these ones" so I wanted to try on a couple of other brands in the same price range. The difference was immense, the ones he recommended were unbelievably better. If I hadn't got such a good bootfitter then I might have walked away with those other boots that I tried on that were nothing like as good a fit and subsequently had a big impact on my riding. It is based on this that my advice is to go into the shop educated but not with too much of a specific idea of what brands you want.
Basically, in my time I havent heard of one boot being better than another, just that the different brands fit different foot shapes better, also generally epensive=rigid=control...
If you are buying for the brand then you are being marketed to and probably wont end up being much good on a board 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Jack , I've got Salomon boots and really like them.
I have read that they are one of the best boots for fitting narrow heels/ankles.
I would follow the advice of Mista - get down to the shops and try on loads of brands until you find the best fit.
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Salamon Dialogues - not had a problem with heel lift and the heat mouldable liner is brilliant. But every foot is different so just get in a shop and find a pair that fits........not a brand/fashion accessory that does (if you catch my drift  )
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You know it makes sense.
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I also have Salamon boots... (Ivys i think....maybe just a chicks boot?) fit great & are nice & warm due to the mouldable liner thingy - no heel lift at all... i have similar feet, skinny ankle & wide at the front & compared to the size of my feet a big calf muscle. But hey, it really is a case of trying a load on & seeing what is best! Good luck in your boot hunting mission! 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Thanks for the advice so far. Looks like I'm in for a long session at some lucky so and so's shop! I say lucky as seems the expensive boots are the way forward. Then again I guess that at least gives me some confidence in knowing that my money is being well spent. any ideas on a board that would suit my weight/height/ability?
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Poster: A snowHead
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As I asked before, what is your ability, and what do you want to ride?
Your original post seems to hint at intermediate ability (whatever that means ), and that you bring the board out mostly for powder. If you're looking for a pure powder board, I'd probably suggest the Burton Fish - haven't ridden one myself, but it gets rave reviews for powder performance. If you're looking for an all-around board that's good in powder, here's a few:
Never Summer Premier - my current board  , it's a very smooth ride, floats well in powder, super-durable and great in long turns. However, not as good for shorter turns (though still OK), heavy (personally I think this makes it a smoother ride in choopy snow though, although it's a definite negative for freestyle), and quite directional. Fairly stiff, though not ridiculously stiff. Great board for the intermediate and up freerider in my opinion, doesn't bite you for bad technique as much as alot of other high end freeride boards would. Not made for freestyle though.
Option Makinen and Redline - supposedly ride somewhat similar, both are medium-stifness decks that can handle freestyle, but are geared towards freeriding. Both are supposed to be great in the powder. As far as I know, the Makinen is a bit less forgiving than the Redline, but it's also snappier and better at speed. Redline is cheaper and easier to ride, and still a great board, so is probably the better choice.
Rome Anthem and Solution - Anthem might be a bit advanced for you, it's a very nice board but is quite stiff and likes to be ridden hard. The Solution is a bit softer (also cheaper!), so it might be a better choice. Once again, both are nice powder boards, and both are also decently freestyle capable.
There's about a million other boards that could work for you, so definitely don't limit your search to these 6. If you have to go cheap somewhere, go cheap on the board (buy boots first, and get good ones. Buy bindings second, and go for the best you can budget for. If you can still buy a good board, go for it, but if not you can get decent boards for fairly cheap). As for size, you'll probably want something in the 161-165 range for powder use, though with a Fish a 160 would be plenty.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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www.priorsnowboards.com
Have a look through their used/demo boards section if you want a quality board for cheap. They seem to have good customer service too so they can recommend you on what you want if you send them a polite e-mail detailing your aims and ability. If you have been riding for a while and can handle powder then I doubt the boards will be too advanced for you and having a good rigid board will actually bring your riding along and you'll enjoy it a lot more.
I recently bought their AMF model as I mainly go for freestyle but also feel that this board will do for powder days. I've never actually tried a powder specific board, they might make a huge difference, not sure, I've always had fun in powder with an all-mountain board anyway
Good luck
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| mista wrote: |
www.priorsnowboards.com
Have a look through their used/demo boards section if you want a quality board for cheap. They seem to have good customer service too so they can recommend you on what you want if you send them a polite e-mail detailing your aims and ability. If you have been riding for a while and can handle powder then I doubt the boards will be too advanced for you and having a good rigid board will actually bring your riding along and you'll enjoy it a lot more.
I recently bought their AMF model as I mainly go for freestyle but also feel that this board will do for powder days. I've never actually tried a powder specific board, they might make a huge difference, not sure, I've always had fun in powder with an all-mountain board anyway
Good luck |
ponder, You're right Ponder Iam intermediate (I think!) can do all pisted runs and not bad off piste, not done any jumps or pipes yet. As my feet have always moved aroud I've not had the confidence to move on. Hopefully with everyones advice I can progress onto these this season.
Thanks again everyone for all the advice so far.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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mista, did you buy the board mail order - if so did you get stung with import duty?
While we are on the subject of small independant board (and ski) makers - I've got a board from Donek.
http://www.donek.com/index.htm
Absolutely brilliant board.
You can get a great board made and shipped to the UK for $440 (including taxes).
You can even ring up the guy who owns the company to discuss you requirements!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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correction - 440 Euros.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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I'm starting to think that this small manufacturer thing is the way to go. I got a very good price for what I believe to be one of the best boards out there. Mind you I havent tried it yet.. I cant wait!
Roll on the season
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Just to add to old dialogue but I cannot recommend Salomon enough. Heel lift in a apair of Burtons caused me a nasty injury lasy year (my excuse and I'm stick to it!). This time around (after spending hours in TSA Bristol) I'm booted in Salomon 'Synapse' and they're comfortable as an old flame after 10 pints! Jack, my foot profile is the same as yours. You won't go wrong with these.
A
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just do em up tighter.. or wear more socks..
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| CANV CANVINGTON wrote: |
| just do em up tighter.. or wear more socks.. |
Yeah, nice idea but doesn't quite work out. I have a bruise on my right big tootsie because they were too tight on the front and slippery as a (insert your own quip here) thingy. I don't know if other stores do custom fitting but TSA are very good albeit my first set were from them in which I twatted myself.
A
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P.S. the injury was a not a bruise to my toe (although still there 7 months later) but chest-rib and knee injuries!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Just got a pair of Synapses meself and lovin em!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| saxabar wrote: |
| CANV CANVINGTON wrote: |
| just do em up tighter.. or wear more socks.. |
Yeah, nice idea but doesn't quite work out. I have a bruise on my right big tootsie because they were too tight on the front and slippery as a (insert your own quip here) thingy. I don't know if other stores do custom fitting but TSA are very good albeit my first set were from them in which I twatted myself.
A |
Comfortable as an old flame.......quality! Well all the boots I've tried (rented) are roomier than a wizards sleeve! I guess I just need to buy a good pair like you said that way my boots won't be slacker than a witches' ......... your turn to insert a word now!
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Bought a new pair of Northwave last season and suffered badly from heel lift for first two days..... til I wadded up piste map under insole.
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You know it makes sense.
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DCShoes Judge's are OK ... By OK I mean, good but not insanely good. They have an inflatable ancle shim designed to keep the heel down, but it's not awesomely effective. Better is the Boa system they use for lacing that means you can get the boots very tight ...
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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DCShoes Judge's are OK ... By OK I mean, good but not insanely good. They have an inflatable ancle shim designed to keep the heel down, but it's not awesomely effective. Better is the Boa system they use for lacing that means you can get the boots very tight ...
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Poster: A snowHead
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As I mentioned above, check out the Salomon Synapses. Although not the stiffest boots on the market they're great all-rounders. It'll take a spectacular boot to tear me away from these.
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FAQ
